Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary malignant cancer of the liver and the sixth most common cancer in the world. Its incidence is increasing worldwide reaching half million cases each year. The primary marker for HCC is Alpha Feto Protein (AFP) which is not secreted in all cases of HCC and may be normal in as many as 40% of patients with early HCC. Amphiregulin protein has been identified as one of the 10- gene signatures in close association with the occurrence of liver metastasis in colorectal cancer patients. The expression of AREG in normal livers is undetectable; however, it is induced during acute and chronic liver injury AREG is an early response growth factor during liver regeneration. It also contributes to the transformed phenotype of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Objectives: The aim of the study is biochemical investigation of amphiregulin protein in Hepatitis C virus patients.
Patients and Methods: This study involved 90 participants in 3 groups: Group (1): Control group which is composed of 30 healthy subjects. Group (2): Cirrhosis group which is composed of 30 patients with chronic liver disease (cirrhosis). Group (3): HCC group which is composed of 30 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma on top of HCV-related liver cirrhosis.The level of AFP and AREG were estimated for all cases together with full clinical assessment liver biochemical profile, viral markers, conventional US and triphasic abdominal CT for HCC cases.
Results: There is a statistically significantly higher age, Amphiregulin, AST, and INR in HCC > cirrhosis > control. AFP was statistically significantly higher in HCC and cirrhosis vs. control. Though, AFP was higher in HCC vs. control, this difference was not statistically significant. There is a statistically significantly lower serum albumin in HCC > cirrhosis > control. WBCs, and platelet counts were statistically significantly lower in HCC vs. cirrhosis. There is a statistically significantly higher ALT, and total bilirubin in HCC and cirrhosis vs. control, and a statistically significantly lower hemoglobin level in HCC and cirrhosis vs. control.
Conclusion: The result exhibit There is the diagnostic performance is good for AREG and when use to gather with AFP is perfect.